A ferry in Thailand caught fire during the night, but luckily, 108 people were rescued.

In the early hours of Thursday, a terrifying incident unfolded in the Gulf of Thailand as an overnight ferry carrying 108 individuals caught fire. The ferry, originating from Surat Thani province and bound for the picturesque tourist destination of Koh Tao, was nearing its destination when disaster struck. A passenger onboard became alarmed upon hearing a crackling noise and detecting the scent of smoke, signaling imminent danger. Within minutes, billowing smoke and flames engulfed the vessel, plunging the passengers and crew into a frantic struggle for survival.

Maitree Promjampa, one of the passengers onboard, recounted the chaos that ensued as panic spread rapidly among those onboard. "We could barely get the life vests in time," he recalled. "It was chaotic. People were weeping ... I also teared up." The situation escalated rapidly, leaving little time for a coordinated response. Fortunately, amidst the turmoil, the alarm was raised, prompting swift action to evacuate the ferry.

Of the 108 individuals onboard, including 97 passengers, all were successfully rescued without any reported casualties, according to officials from Surat Thani province. Dramatic footage captured the harrowing ordeal as passengers scrambled to exit the ferry, donning life vests to navigate through thick, suffocating smoke. The severity of the situation was evident as the ferry was quickly consumed by flames, leaving little hope for salvaging the vessel.

Maitree, a resident familiar with the route to Koh Tao, recounted the desperate moments following the fire, with several rescue boats arriving approximately 20 minutes after distress calls were made. However, the looming threat of explosions prevented these vessels from approaching too closely. Forced to take matters into their own hands, passengers resorted to jumping into the sea, clinging to any chance of survival. The presence of multiple vehicles onboard further complicated the evacuation process, heightening the sense of urgency and danger.

Authorities swiftly launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, attributing its origins to the engine. Despite the ferocity of the blaze, prompt intervention managed to bring the situation under control, averting the possibility of the ferry sinking. The incident underscored the inherent risks associated with maritime travel, particularly on routes frequented by commuters and tourists alike.

The Surat Thani to Koh Tao ferry route serves as a vital lifeline for both locals and visitors, spanning approximately 60 miles across the Gulf of Thailand. However, the events that transpired serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability inherent in such journeys, where unforeseen emergencies can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.

As the investigation into the ferry fire continues, questions linger regarding the safety protocols and emergency preparedness measures in place to mitigate similar incidents in the future. Amidst the relief of the successful rescue operation, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and readiness when traversing the unpredictable waters of the Gulf of Thailand.